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DELILAH 

A Drama in Three Acts 



DELILAH 

a Drama in 
Three Acts 

hy 

G. Constant Lounsbery 

Author of *'An Iseult Idyl," etc. 



New York 
Scott -Thaw Company 



MCMIV 



LIBRARY Cf CONGRESS 
Tv/o Copies Received 

NOV 7 19U4 

CopyriHfU tntfj 

CLASS jO XXc. Nui 

COPY 8. 



T6 3^2-3 

.017 2^ 



COPYRIGHT 1904 
BY SCOTT-THAW COMPANY 



THEEDDYPRESS 




N E-W YO R.K 



To 

7. A. F, 

In affection and admiratk 



DELILAH 

A Drama in Three Acts 



Time : The 20th year that Samson judged 

Israel 

ACT I 

Scene I Gaza, a fountain by the gates 
Early morning 

Scene II The same. Late evening 

Between Acts I and II two moons have 
elapsed 

ACT II 

Scene I A market place in Gaza 
Noon 

Scene II Interior of Delilah's house in Sorek 
Between Acts II and III a few days elapse 

ACT III 

Scene I Interior of a Temple of Dagon 
Harvest Festival — Afternoon 



Samson . . 
Manassah . 
First Priest 
Second Priest 
Amindah 
Abidah . . 
Rebekah . . 



CHARACTERS 

Israelites 
. . Judge of Israel 
. . High Priest of Jehovah 



V Friends of Samson 
Betrothed of Samson 



Old Men, Young Men, Maidens 

Philistines 
Delilah .... Of Sorek 
High Priest of Dagon 
Priest of Dagon 
Captain of the Philistines 
AijAH .... Brother to DeHlah 
Meres 
Apame 
Zophar 
Adina . 
First Page 
Second Page 
Third Page 
A Soldier 
Priests, Soldiers, Maidens, People 



Friends of DeHlah 



ID 



ACT I 



ACT I 

Scene I 

A well within the gates of Gaza. 
In the background, the walls of 
the town, beyond a valley of 
olive trees, in the distance Mt. Ho- 
reb, streets to the right and left. 
Enter right, Hebrew Men. They 
stand gazing tozvard the fountain. 
Enter left Philistine Women, bear- 
ing zvater jugs upon their shoul- 
ders; they stand looking into the 
zvell. 

Manassah 

I heard a rush, a sound of many wings 
Cleaving the air. See ye not anything? 
Mine eyes are dim. Why do the birds take 
flight? 

1ST Priest 

The wind is in the tree-tops, nothing more! 

13 



Manassah 

I saw c. wondrous brightness by the well, 
A sudden flame that vanished heavenward. 

2D Priest 
It is the dawn that stealeth o'er the plain 
To girdle Horeb, that high hill, with light. 

Manassah (prophetically) 
Ears have ye, but ye hear not, eyes have ye — 
Behold ye see not ! Unto you I say 
The hidden things be fairer than things seen. 
Why do the women lean above the well ? 

1ST Priest 
They laugh to see their faces in its wave. 

Manassah 
Women, what see ye by the well? 

Meres 

A pack 
Of fools returning to their folly ! (laughter) 

Manassah 

Lo! 
They mock me in mine age. Let us go hence. 

(exit, left, Hebrews) 

14 



Meres 
Why doth the water tremble in the well ? 

Apame 
It danceth like a brook, but not for joy. 

Adina 
It is afraid. Some god hath troubled it. 

ZOPHAR 

Give me to drink of it. (Meres draws water) 
How sweet it is ! 

Meres (drinking) 

The spring hath breathed upon it ; it is sweet ! 

Apame 
We must be gone before the Hebrews come 
To beat their breasts, and poison this fair 

stream 
With tears that turn its very sweetness salt. 

Adina 
A race of slaves ! Yet there is one of them, 
I would not have them hear me name his 

name. 
For it is like a wind that fans their hate. 

15 



Meres 
He rageth like a fire upon our land. 

ZOPHAR 

He looseth and none bindeth. 

A FAME 

If he smite, 
A thousand, as a man, fall by his arm. 

Apame 

(treuibiing) 
If one should meet him, wandering alone ! 

Meres 
The sun is strong and yet I feel afraid ! 

Apame 
He hath not turned his face away from us. 

ZOPHAR 

He took to wife a Philistine! 

Apame 

He slew 
His thirty at the feast. 

Meres 

Yea, more than this ; 
He bound three hundred foxes tail to tail, 

i6 



And set a firebrand between every two, 
And all the vineyards and the standing corn 
Were utterly consumed. 

(enter through the gates Delilah) 

Apame 

Speak not of him, 
He is a god that no man's hate can slay. 

ZOPHAR 

Nor can a woman bind him with her love. 

Adina 
He is betrothed to one who liveth here. 

Omnes 
A Philistine? 

Adina 

A woman of his tribe. 

Meres 
He cometh unto Gaza. 

Apame 

Shall no man, 
No Philistine, prevent him ? 

Zophar 

Woe is me, 

17 



I shall not sleep for fear. 

Delilah 

His loved one's name ? 

Adina (turning) 

Rebekah ! 

Delilah 
Ah ! I do not like her name. 

(the maidens turn to Delilah) 

Meres 
It is not sweet upon the lips, like thine 
DeHlah, daughter of Philistia. 

Adina 
Why art thou come from Sorek with the 
dawn? 

Delilah 
Lo ! I am come to help ye with the wreaths. 
Against the feast of Dagon. 

Meres 

'Tis to-night. 
Apame 
And didst thou hear our talk? 

Delilah 

I liked it not. 

i8 



Samson the strong! Ah, how I hate the 
name! 

Meres 

I would thou wert a man ! 

Adina 

Yea, and our chief. 

Delilah 
If once this man should come between my 

hands, 
I would make sport of all his boasted 
strength. 

Meres (soothingly) 

Tell us of Sorek, that green vale of peace. 
What sawest thou upon thy early way ? 

Delilah 
The little flowers shook ofif a wealth of dew 
Upon my thirsty feet, the wild grapes shed 
Their fragrance over me. I wear them here 
(touching her temples) 
To cool my temples in the glowing sun ! 
Their blood has stained my lips, my heart is 

glad. 
And laugheth like the vine beneath the sun. 
The early lizard started from his sleep, 

19 



The early breeze was sweet upon the palms; 
My arms I filled with roses for the god, 
Great globed roses, golden, red and white, 
And heavy-headed with their wealth of scent. 

Adina 
The spirit of the morning is abroad. 

Meres 
She is the spring! 

Omnes 

Lead us, we follow thee. 

ZOPHAR 

Our leaders shall behold her like a dream. 

A FAME 

Our young men shall see visions. Nay, not 

one 
Can match her beauty with his strength. 

Meres 

Yea, one, 
An Israelite and worthy of her love. 

Delilah 
Speak not of him, the man ye dare not name ! 
My hate alone would dare him face to face. 
Him I could bind with love. 

20 



Apame 

Who f eareth him ? 
(enter Samson through the gates) 

ZOPHAR 

We would defy his name ! 

Omnes 

Samson, the strong ! 

Samson 

Yea, here am I. Give me to drink, I thirst. 

(the maidens flee in great confusion) 

Delilah (disdainfully) 
I am no slave to flee, nor, staying, serve. 

Samson 
Turn thine eyes from me. I have seen the 

spring 
In all her sudden glory. I grow faint 
To be so near thee. 

Delilah 
Yea, though all men be 
As water in thy hands, woe unto thee 
For thou shalt set thy face unwillingly, 

21 



And turn thy steps at midnight toward this 

place, 
Seeking whom thou shalt find. Henceforth 

look thou 
Within thy heart, if thou wouldst see my 

face! 
Take thou these grapes to slake thy thirst. 

Beware ! 
Not dew alone but fire Is In their flesh. 
(she takes the grapes from her hair, and 

gives them to him) 
And they are sweet with fragrance not their 

own. 

(exit, left, Delilah) 
(Samson raises the grapes to his lips) 

Samson 
Though a man set his feet In the straight 

path, 
How shall he keep his eyes from wandering. 
(Rebekah enters, left) 

Rebekah 
Samson, what dost thou here? Thine en- 
emies 
Will fall upon thee ; as an ox Is led 

22 



Unto the slaughter they will deal with thee. 
(Samson looks after Delilah) 

Samson 

What woman passed thee coming from the 

well? 

Rebekah 

Delilah, daughter of Philistia, 

Surnamed the delicate. Men find her fair. 

Samson 
Fair as a heathen goddess, Ashteroth ! 

Rebekah 
God keep thee from strange women and 
vain gods! 

Samson 
My well-beloved, fear thou not at all, 
God is my strength, in Him I put my 

strength. 
He shall do wondrously and show His light 
To them that sit in darkness. Know ye this ; 
The city is delivered unto me. 

Rebekah 
And thou wilt take me hence this very night 
To dwell with thee within the land of Dan? 

23 



Samson" 
Thou hast my troth, fear not, I will not fail, 
Nor rest, nor weary, till the land be free. 
It were a shame for me to dwell in peace, 
When Israel is stricken sore with wounds ; 
To turn my face toward love, when deadly 

hate 
Devours the people and the wasted land ; 
To rear me children that should be but slaves. 
Be not afraid, no harm shall come to thee. 
Who cometh? 

Rebekah 
Lo ! the priests and people near. 

Samson (retiring) 

Do thou draw water from the well. I wait 

That I may know their hearts before I speak. 

(enter Manassah zvith the Priests and He- 

hrezvs) 

Manassah 
Let us lift up our voices unto God ! 

1ST Priest 
Yea, let us cry aloud in our distress. 

2D Priest 
Will ye revolt forever, more and more? 

24 



The head is sick and the whole heart is faint, 
Bruises and wounds and putrefying sores ; 
No ointment mohifies them nor allays. 
There is no soundness in us. 

Manassah 

But the Lord 
Shall send deliverance to us this day. 

1ST Priest 
Lo ! thou art full of sorrow and of years. 

2D Priest 
Our portion is dishonor in our age. 

1ST Priest 
The Tabernacle is profaned, defiled, 
And desolate. 

Manassah 

Behold this day shall we 
Lay violent hands upon the Philistines. 

Abidah 
Is there a shield, behold is there a spear 
Seen among forty thousand? 

2D Priest 

Waste ye not 
Your days in vain imaginings. 

25 



Amindah 

Had I 
A leader and a buckler — 

Abidah 

And a spear ! 

1ST Priest 

No leader cometh. 

Abidah 

Samson draweth near. 

1ST Priest 
He feareth Gaza. 

Abidah 

Nay, for never fear 
Has entered in his heart. Did he not slay 
The lion with his naked hands ? 

1ST Priest 

Was he 
Not bound by Judah, bound with two new 

cords 
At Etam, given to the enemy — 

2D Priest 
Will he deliver Gaza, Judah's land ? 
26 



Abidah 
His bands were loosed from off his hands, 

he found 
The jaw-bone of an ass, and slew therewith 
A thousand men — 

Samson (advancing) 

With mine own hand I slew. 

Though all the countless stars should rise in 

wrath 
Trusting their numbers, what shall it avail 
Against the sun rejoicing in his strength ? 

Omnes 
Samson the strong, whose name is like the 
sun! 

Manassah 

Behold, the day breaks and the shadows flee. 

(enter Rebekah and Hehrezv women, zvho 

draw water from the well) 

Samson 
Abase yourselves, ye people, bow ye down — 
Down even to the dust, and gird your loins. 

High Priest 
We lick the dust in bitterness and wrath! 

27 



2D Priest 
Our neck is bowed beneath the Gentile's 

yoke, 
And heavy is their hand upon our heads. 

1ST Priest 
There is no help for us ! 

2D Priest 

No help for us! 
We rend our hearts in vain, there is no help ! 

Manassah 
Our eyes are dim with weeping, and our 

hands 
Are strengthless to avenge our miseries. 
(Rehekah croons softly to herself as she 
draws water) 

Abidah 
Who doth insult our sorrow with her song? 

Amindah 
It was Rebekah singing by the well. 

High Priest 
When there is sorrow in all Israel, 
Why dost thou mock us, wherefore dost thou 



sing ? 



28 



Rebekah 

(comes tozvard them) 
I know not, Rabbi, but I saw a flower 
Dancing upon the breeze, and in the well 
I thought — I thought I saw my lover's face 
Leaning to kiss my lips. 

1ST Priest 

She prates of love ! 
Rebekah 

And then — and then a bird began to sing, 
And I was glad to see the grass so green. 
It is the spring! 

Amindah 

— Rebuke her idle words. 

Man ASS AH 
How merciless is youth! Nay, go in peace. 
i\Iy weight of years is fallen to the earth, 
I feel along my veins the stir of spring ! 
Samson, why art thou silent ? Say ! And why 
Dost thou exhort us unto tears and pain ? 

Samson 
I would not have ye waste your strength in 
tears, 

29 



But I would have ye sorrow, till your pain 
Should be a living anguish in the flesh 
And unendurable. 

Amindah 

It goads us on. 
Samson 
I would it goaded ye, that ye might turn 
With one accord and rend the enemy ! 

2D Priest 
Like grass is man consumed and burned 

away. 
Brief is his life ; but this were certain death ! 

Amindah 
There is no life without our liberty ! 

Abidah 
There is no death where there is victory! 

Omnes 
Lead us, for we are eager for the fight. 

Manassah 
Lo ! It is God who girdeth thee with strength, 
He teacheth thee to war, so that a bow 
Is broken like a reed between thy hands. 

30 



Omnes 
We have no arms ! 

Samson 
The Lord shall be thy sword ! 
Manassah 
Yea, with his arrows shall he scatter them 
Who be thine enemies. 

Omnes 

We have no shield ! 

Samson 
The Lord shall be thy buckler, and the 

strength 
Of thy right arm. 

Omnes 
We have no standard ! 

Manassah 

Yet 
The Lord shall be a banner over thee. 

Omnes 
We have no place of safety ! 

Manassah 

Yet the Lord 

31 



Shall be thy fortress and thy resting place, 
Thy safety in the time of thy great need. 

Samson (angrily) 

Ye men of Israel, give h^d to me ; 
Your heart within yon is as^shifting sand, 
Your bones are water, therefore go not up 
Against the foe, for with my naked palms — 

Manassah 
Thy strength is consecrate to God. 

Samson 

Yea, I 
With mine own hand shall drive the enemy 
Before me like a flock of silly sheep ! 

Manassah 
Boast not ; what God permits, that canst thou 

do. 
For though the Philistines be like the sands 
Upon the shore, the Lord shall scatter them 
As dust before the wind. 

Omnes 

Lead thou us on ! 
Samson 
Fight and the Lord fights with thee! Flee 
and He 

32 



Withdraws his succour from thee. If the God 
Within the heart of man be strong, behold, 
Who shall endure before his arm, or stay 
His purpose, for it speedeth like a dart 
Straight to the mark, and striketh not in vain. 
If ye be men indeed, if ye be men. 
Then is the battle won before the blow 
Has fallen ; but indeed if ye be slaves 
No pomp of armour nor of marshalled men 
Shall stay the fury of the enemy ; 
For not in numbers, nor in might of arms, 
But in the daring heart lies victory ! 

Amindah 
The word is like strong wine within my veins ! 

Abidah 

His voice is like the wind upon the trees, 
Even the mighty trees of Lebanon. 

2D Priest 

I felt a sudden warmth as when the sun 
Quickens the limbs that have grown stiff with 

cold! 
(enter Captain of Philistines and Soldiers) 

33 



Captain 
What shouts are these, what tumult? Who 

spoke here ? 
Who raised his voice, and who cried — 

Israelites 

Victory ! 
Captain 
What would ye ? 

Israelites 
Freedom ! 
Manassah 

Freedom in the land — 
Our altars and our homes. 
Israelites 

Our liberty ! 
Captain 
Disperse, ye people ! Rather be your prayers 
For mercy from your rulers. Who is chief, 
And who is leader, let that man be seized ! 

Omnes 
Samson ! 

Soldiers 
We are afraid ! 

34 



Man ASS AH 

Behold the hour 
Of our deHverance is nigh at hand ! 

Captain 

Yield us your leader, rather cast yourselves 
Upon our mercy, than provoke our wrath, 
Lest it blow out upon ye like a flame 
And ye be stubble utterly consumed. 

Samson 

Nay, be not hasty in your deeds ; lest I — 
I, Samson, fall upon and slay ye here, 
A thousand as a man. 

Israelites 

Samson the strong ! 

Samson 
As I have slain your brothers ! 

Captain 

Seize ye him ! 
Samson 

Ye come against us armed with sticks and 
staves ! 

35 , , 



(Philistines surround Samson; he rends the 
staves from them; and gives them to the 
Israelites) 

Follow ! these be your weapons, Israel. 

(ivith the zveapons the Israelites drive off 
the Philistines) 

CURTAIN 



Scene II 

Scene: The same. Evening. 

Discovered: The High Priest 
seated on the stone beneath a tree, 
and beside him the Captain, Aijah 
and other Priests. 

High Priest 
How are the mighty fallen from their seats. 

Captain 
One day hath brought our victories to naught. 

Aijah 
One man hath sucked our strength. We 

were, alas ! 
A field that flaunts its flowers 'neath the sun. 

High Priest 
He hath arisen in his might, behold 
How he hath withered us ! 

Aijah 

He is a god ! 
High Priest 
Who shall search out the secret of his 
strength ? 

37 



1ST Priest 

Soft are the ways of women ; is there none 
Among our daughters who can steal his eyes ? 

AlJAH 

No man can slay or snare him in his strength. 

High Priest 
Take thought, take counsel, let us bind with 

vows, 
Strong vows of fear, some maiden to our 

cause. 
Whose beauty shall disarm him. She must be 
Subtle and sweet, sudden and strong to smite. 
And great shall be her honour and renown. 
If she surprise the secret of this man. 
Whom do the maidens hold the fairest? 



Captain 



Her 



Men call Delilah, maids, the delicate. 
Yet she is royal. 

AlJAH 

One more lowly born 
Should be thy tool, the plaything of thy 
craft. 

38 



High Priest 

No harm shall come to her, she shall but look 
Upon him with her unawakened eyes, 
Taking his sudden fancy in the net 
Of her untutored loveliness. 

Priest 

A word 
To woo his secret from him, when the night 
And weariness relax his vigilance. 

High Priest 
Then if we know where he may be assailed, 
It were a man's deed to undo his might. 

AlJAH 

No arm more eager of the deed than mine. 

High Priest 
Thine be the deed. Yet lend us now thy help. 
Thou art her brother, speak to her thereof. 
The old men seeing her forget their years 
And all their weariness. 

Captain 

The young men pine 
With love of her. 

39 



Priest 
The maidens crown her queen. 
(enter Delilah; she starts as she sees the men) 

AlJAH 

Delilah, fairest in Philistia, 

Honour is thine, our speech is all of thee. 

Delilah 

(petulantly) 
I pray thee heed him not, for every day 
And all the hours of it, he wearies me, 
Pleading that I shall take some man to lord. 

High Priest 
Daughter ! 

Delilah 

I will not hear ! 

Aijah 

Sister ! 

1ST Priest 

Nay, hear ! 
Delilah 
I will not wed ; nay, I will take to lord 
No man — or if I choose a man 'tis he — 

40 



Captain 
A soldier, who shall bend the world for thee, 
And lay the spoils of battle at thy feet, 
And tame the exulting beauty of the steed 
To bear thee gently in his pride of strength. 

High Priest (aivgrily) 

This is no idle hour to prate of love. 

Delilah (unheedingly) 
The man who slayeth Samson, he shall be 
My lord. 

(to the Captain) 
Canst thou do this ? Nay, shame on ye 
For ye are many, he is but one man ! 
What ! are ye masters, are ye lords of us ? 
Your chariots of iron, where are they, 
Where are your young men? Shame upon 
ye, shame ! 

Priest 
This is the warrior's blood that burns in her. 

High Priest 
Samson hath conquered us, well hast thou 

said, 
If he be slain we conquer Israel. 

4T 



Captain 

Danger is his familiar, death his friend, 
Sudden and swift is he in his revenge, 
He heedeth not the spear nor biting blade, 
Neither with any strength of arm nor hand 
Shall we subdue him. 

Delilah (meditatively) 
— By some subtle guile? 

High Priest (eagerly) 

Well hast thou spoken ; wisely, child, and 
well. 

AlJAH 

Yet who shall set a snare to take his feet? 
And thou, Delilah, hast had speech of him? 

Delilah 
Some praises, such as women glean from 
men. 

(they press eagerly about her) 
Why do ye question me, with eager eyes 
Searching my face? 

High Priest 
We have great need of thee. 

42 



Captain 
Hast thou no fear ? 

Delilah 
How shall I fear at all ? 
(to Aijah) 
This is my brother; (to the Captain) 

this my childhood's friend. 

Priest 
She hath the wonder of the waking spring, 
The tremble of new leaves beneath the sun. 

Captain 
She floats above us like a bough of spring, 
A budding branch that idly rocks and sways 
Its waking blossoms in the wind of dreams. 

Delilah 
Why do ye murmur thus among yourselves? 
This is a council of grave men, and I — 

(she starts to go) 
Priest 
Thy beauty brings our wisdom unto naught. 

Delilah 
I am a maiden of unlettered speech, 
My knowledge is of woodland mysteries, 

43 



I can brew subtle poisons from strange herbs. 

Priest 
She hath a murmur as of many leaves ! 

High Priest 
And art thou skilled in love ? 

Delilah 

Men call me fair 
And I could love my country's rescuer. 

High Priest 
Thy country ! Dost thou love thy country, 
child? 

Delilah 
Better than the sweet, bounding pulse of life. 

High Priest 
And wouldst thou vow thyself to its great 

need 
Upon the sword of Dagon, that men say 
Seeks out a perjurer and smites him dead. 

Delilah (timidly) 

Wherefore these questions ? 

(shrinking from the Priest) 
Ah, I fear thine eyes. 

44 



High Priest 

Great is thine honour, if thy heart be strong; 
And where the armoured might of men has 

failed 
Thou shalt prevail. Rejoice ! 

Delilah 

How shall this be ? 

High Priest 

Dagon has chosen thee to free thy land. 

Delilah 

My hands are but a woman's, frail and fair. 

Captain 
Shall not a man go mad to hear her voice ? 

High Priest 
(taking off his szcord and holding it before 

Delilah) 
Come, wilt thou vow thyself upon this sword, 
As thou dost fear the terrors of the god 
To do our will ? 

Delilah (suspiciously) 
What wouldst thou have me do ? 

45 



High Priest 

(persuasively) 
Thou art a child, and I the god's high priest. 
Wilt thou not trust me for thy good, and vow 
Thyself to save thy country ? 

Delilah (zvith conviction) 
Yea, though death 
Should be my vow. 

(looks at Priest) 
And yet, I am afraid. 
(she crosses to Aijah) 
Brother, why art thou sad ? 

(Aijah turns silently away) 

Captain 

She is so young. 
What if love should surprise her unawares! 

High Priest 
Swear me to free thy country ! 
Delilah 

(touching the sword) 
I do swear ! 
High Priest 
What if thy vow be broken? 

46 



Delilah (zvhispering) 

I shall die! 

Captain 
She is swept onward like a drifting flower 
Upon some boisterous river to the sea. 

Delilah 
What must I do ? How may I serve the god ? 
How shall my frailty give my land its aid? 

High Priest 
Seek thou out Samson. He whose voice is 

death 
And havoc in the ranks of men will lend 
An ear to thee. 

Delilah 
What message shall I bear ? 
High Priest 
Entice his secret from him. 

Delilah (very slowly) 
Is this then 
My vow ? 

High Priest 

This art thou sworn and bound to do 
47 



And thou shalt have from every man of us 
Eleven thousand pieces— 

Delilah 

(funis azvay in disgust) 
Thou shalt be 
A ruler of thy country, lord of us — 
(Delilah returns) 

All (shouting) 

A woman for our lord ! 

High Priest 

Yea, verily this thing shall come to pass, 
If thou deliver us from Israel ! 

Delilah 

Peace is the portion of the terrible ; 

None lifts his hand for fear against their 

might ! 
Weak are the men whose women war for 

them. 
Nay, not for silver do I this, but hate, 
For he hath shamed my country in mine eyes. 

(aside) 
And yet I do not hate him utterly. 

48 



High Priest 
Do thou this deed and rule thou over us. 

Delilah 
Set ye a watch, a strong watch by the gate; 
It may be he will seek me by the well. 

High Priest 
Entice his secret, if he fall asleep 
Here be strong withes, green withes to bind 
him with. 

(she fakes the zvithes) 

AlJAH 

And we shall slay him suddenly at dawn. 

High Priest 
Let us make ready for the midnight feast, 
That we may honour Dagon, the great god. 

(exit Philistines) 

AlJAH 

Delilah, flee this peril, foolishly 

Thou hast consented to their priestly craft. 

Delilah 
Aijah, blaspheme not, nor revile the priest 
Who is the holy mouthpiece of the god. 

49 



AlJAII 

Thou canst not do this thing, nor would 

success 
Be gain for thee, or me, at such a price — 
By thy dishonour. 

Delilah 
Dost thou fancy me 
A prey to any man? No woman yields 
Save to her own desire; and there is death, 
A weapon to disarm a god or man. 
Unless love fights against me, I shall win ! 

AlJAH 

We two like buds upon a single stem. 
Sprung from the selfsame soil, have grown 

and burst 
Together on the mystery of life. 
Besides the bond of blood that binds our 

hearts. 
No friendship, quickly come, and lightly 

gone. 
But a deep-rooted, wide-branched sympathy 
Has intertwined our lives inseparably. 
Therefore, O sister, hear and heed my words. 

Delilah 
So sad, so wise, I would not have thee so, 

50 



Better thy joyous comradeship of youth. 
Dost think I love this Samson suddenly? 

AlJAH 

Defy not thou this unknown god of Love, 
Nor rashly challenge him as thou hast done, 
Seeking to snare a man, vain of thy youth, 
Lest in an unseen net thy heart be snared; 
Riot and ruin and division then 
Would sunder us, as lightning cleaves a tree. 

Delilah 
How should I love my hated enemy. 
What idle fear works busily? And yet — 

AlJAH 

The threshold of a world borders thy 

words — 
*' And yet " — Go not Delilah, I forbid thee, 

Come ! 
Already thou hast hidden in thy heart 
Wonder and admiration of this man ; 
Seeing thee he must love thee, even as 
We love a flower, simply, unaware. 

Delilah 
Aijah, this is thy manhood's vanity 
That speaks, thinking man irresistible. 

51 



Mine ignorance protects me 'gainst all love. 

AlJAH 

Nay stay, nor tempt thy curiosity, 

Which leads thee to a gulf where death is hid 

Lurking for thee or me. Nay I command. 

Delilah 
Peace to thee, I have given here my word, 
And will fulfill it. Thy authority — 
Little avails, though I do love thee well 
I will be guided by mine own desire 
Knowing this is but idle foolishness. 

AlJAH 

I go. I will be near, if thou succeed 
To slay thy captive, if thou fail to fall 
Before his arm, or if he conquer thee 
To be avenged. Farewell, Delilah. 

Delilah 

Go. 

AijAH (going) 

Farewell. 

Delilah 
Brother! Nay it is better so. 
His words have planted doubt deep in my 
heart, 

52 



And half disarmed I go to meet a foe. 
Strong is he as a Hon; beautiful 
As the young sun rejoicing in his might. 
Is my heart hardened? Would that I could 

hate 
Mine enemy. What hath he done to me ? 
I know not if I bear him hate, or love ! 

(song, Delilah sijiging) 
I wandered in the valley, when the dew 
Was sweet upon the hilltops and the flow- 
ers; 
I lingered in the vineyards and the bowers, 
My fingers dropped with myrrh, my locks 
with dew. 

2 

Saw ye my soul's beloved ? Know ye him ? 

How comely is his face, how sweet his 
voice ! 

Cause me to hear it, let my soul rejoice! 
Know ye my well-beloved? Saw ye him? 

3 
By night I sought him, but I found him not ; 
The watchman took away from me my veil ; 
I cried, he answered not ; my spirits fail ; 

53 



I sought him in the streets and found him 
not. 

4 

I am a Hly of the vale, a rose 

That blooms in Sharon, leaning to the sun ; 

A garden where the living waters run; 
I am a lily and a fragrant rose. 

5 
My well-beloved is a lofty tree. 
Even a cedar with a pleasant smell ; 
A palm that lifts its head beside a well. 
Full of sweet shade and sound, a mighty 
tree! 

6 
My love is like an army in its strength, 
Like chariots of iron are his hands; 

(enter Samson) 

Lo! he is terrible, what man withstands 

The sun who cometli up in all his strength! 

7 
Between my breasts all night my love shall lie, 
For he is like a scent of costly myrrh, 
Yea, wake him not, I charge ye make no 
stir, 

54 



All night between my breasts my love shall 
He. 

Samson 
Thy well-beloved, whither is he gone, 
And whither is thy loved one turned aside. 
That I may seek him with thee. 

Delilah 

He is come ; 
Whom seek ye, Samson? 

Samson 

Tell me where is he 
Whose hands are chariots of iron. Would 
That I might find mine enemy ! O thou, 
The fairest among women, where is he, 
Thy well-beloved ? What name doth he bear ? 

Delilah 
Samson ! 

Samson 

Set him before my face that I 
May give his strength to dust, his pride to 

naught. 
And shame him in thine eyes. 
Delilah 

Samson, his god, 

55 



Thy God hath set a seal upon his brow, 
And where his strength is hid no man can tell. 

Samson 
Woman, why dost thou mock me ? 

Delilah 

I have vowed 
That I will take to lord no Philistine 
Save he be strong as Samson, for behold 
How beautiful is strength, how terrible. 
My love is chiefest amongst thousands ! 

Samson 

Nay ! 
There is none such in all Philistia. 

Delilah 
For at the thunder of thy name they flee, 
Therefore they shame me, and I give my love 
Unto the enemy. 

Samson 
Turn thou thine eyes, 
For they have overcome me, and my heart 
Is full of joy that overfloweth, as 
A pitcher cometh dripping from the well. 

S6 



Delilah 
If thou wilt make an end of war, behold 
My love shall be about thee like a scent, 
A scent of spices when the north wind blows 
Upon my garden, and the smell flows out. 

Samson 
God hath ordained my purpose like a star. 
War is for us to give our children peace ! 

Delilah 
Why didst thou turn thy steps to Gaza's well ? 

Samson 
Behold, a single thread of golden hair 
Hath drawn me unto thee, as surely as 
The mighty nets draw fishes from the sea. 
The dew is in my locks, the scent of spring 
Beats up against my face like a caress ; 
The little whispers of the wind breathe low, 
And spend themselves in kisses on my brow. 
Arise, let us go forth in search of love. 

Delilah 
I fear thee, Samson, yet there is a way ; 
Tell me the secret of thy strength, that I 
May know thou lovest me. 

57 



Samson 

Woman, I see 
The guile within thy heart. If I be bound 
With seven withes, green withes undried, my 

strength 
Shall be as weak as any other man's. 

Delilah 

(produces the zvithes) 
So I will bind thee lest thou do me harm. 
(binds his hands, laughing) 
(enter Philistines) 
The foe is come upon thee, Samson ! 

AlJAH 

Who 

Is captive to Delilah ! 

High Priest 

Lead him up 
Unto the feast of Dagon. 

(they hesitate) 
Samson 

Do ye fear 
Me bound and helpless ? 

Aijah (seises him) 

As an ox is led, 

S8 



So shall I lead him. 

(Samson breaks the withes and seizes Aijah 
in his arms) 

High Priest 

(to Delilah) 
He hath lied to thee. 

Captain 
He brake the withes e'en as a thread of tow 
Is broken when it touches fire. 

(Aijah is throzvn to the ground) 

Delilah 

Alas ! 
Aijah 

(rising — to Delilah) 
Come thou away lest he should do thee harm I 

Samson 
Choose thou between us ! 

Aijah 

Nay, what choice is here? 
Shall a man hail a foe and leave a friend ? 

Priest 
It may be she will search his secret out. 

59 



AlJAH 

She looks with wondering eyes upon the man, 
With morning eyes of love. Delilah, come ! 

Priest (aside) 

Daughter, thy vow is registered on high ! 

(aloud) 
Go thou among the maidens of thy place. 

Delilah 
My place is by my lord. 

Omnes (going) 

Samson the strong! 

Delilah 
No man that liveth can endure thy might. 

Samson 
What man was he who braved me ? 

Delilah 

Ah, 'tis well 
Thou didst not slay him ; he is of my kin ! 

Samson 
Delilah, am I hateful in thy sight? 

Delilah 
T came to make thee captive. 

60 



Samson 

I am thine. 
Delilah 

To the strong victory ! Thy god shall be 
My god, thy land shall be my land. 

. Samson 

Away! 
Delilah 

How shall I fight? Love hath surprised my 

hate. 
I came to war against thee, but my love 
Hath made me captive as the chariots 
Surround an army that hath no retreat. 

Samson 
Why hath thy foe found favor in thy sight? 

Delilah 
Surely thou art the chiefest among men ! 
(enter Rebekah) 

Rebekah 
Samson, away, ere evil come of this ! 

Samson 
And shall I fear a woman ? 
6i 



Rebekah 

Fear thou God. 
Delilah 
Who is this woman? 

Samson 

She is my betrothed ! 

Rebekah (cowering) 

I will be gone ! 

Delilah 
Nay, stay a little, stay ! 

Behold her ! Dost thou love her in thy heart ? 
Is thy desire towards her as the earth's 
Is toward the spring, the flower's toward the 

sun, 
The river's toward the sea that hath the 

moon 
In myriad images upon its waves ? 
Dost thou so mirror her in all thy thoughts? 
Do thy thoughts dwell upon her and return 
As the sea turneth back upon the shore? 

Rebekah 
How beautiful she is. How terrible ! 

Delilah 
Is she like nature's music to thine ears, 

62 



Sweeter than many waters murmuring? 

Rebekah 
I would be gone! 

Delilah 

Nay, stay a little, stay ! 
Is she a seal upon thy heart, a flame 
Before thine eyes when all life's ways are 

dark? 
And is she shed about thee like a cloud 
To cool and comfort all thy weariness? 
And doth she steal upon thee like a scent — 
A scent of frankincense or costly myrrh ? 

Rebekah 
No cunning words are mine to tell of love ; 
Yet is my silence truer than her song! 

Delilah 
Doth thy heart welcome her, e'en as a roe 
Leapeth for joy upon the hills at noon. 
And as the stricken deer beneath the sun 
Longs for the water-brooks, dost thou for 
her? 

Rebekah 
If this be love, alas ! for thee and me ! 

63 



Delilah . 
Doth she withhold thine eyes from sleep by 

night, 
And hover o'er thee like a dream by day? 
If all the world be with thee, art thou still 
Alone and lonely if she be not near? 
Do the hours, empty of her, weight thy neck 
Like millstones? Dost thou cry aloud and 

say 
To-morrow, and to-morrow, and to-day? 

Rebekah (going) 

Her words are millstones hanged about my 
neck ! 

(exit Rebekah) 

Samson 
How fair thy countenance, how sweet thy 

voice ! 
My heart is like a meadow parched with fire. 
Thy voice a stream that singeth on its way, 
For never woman spoke as thou before. 

Delilah 
Go not from me ! take not thy face from me ! 

Samson 
Do with me as thou wilt, my love is poured 

64 



Like water at thy feet! Let us go hence! 
(a bright light appears upon the hill of 

Horeb) 
What Hght is it that burneth o'er the hill ? 

Delilah 
A star that hangeth over Horeb's brow ! 

Samson 
Let us be gone ! 

Delilah 

The walls encompass us, 
The gates are closed against us till the dawn ; 
But what are they to thee ? 

Samson 

See, I go forth, 
And do thou follow; though thou mockest 

me 
I cannot think thee evil, for thy face 
Leans to me like a lily, and thy hair 
Is poured about thee like a golden stream 
Of fragrant wine that holds the sun's own 

gold. 
All forms of beauty are a guess at God. 
Let us go forth unto the mount of myrrh, 

65 



(Samson lifts the gates of the city from the 
hinges) 

Delilah 
The watch is fled! Samson hath raised the 

gates ! 
I am afraid ; surely thou art a god ! 
Love leadeth me, yet hate hath bound me 

fast. 
I am afraid ; I know not what I do. 

Samson 
Make haste, beloved, be thou like a roe, 
Or like a hart upon the fragrant hills 
Made sweet with spices. 

Delilah 

Thou art like the sun ; 
No man can stay thee ! 

Samson 

Come, my love, away, 
Let us go to the vineyards ; let us see 
If the vine flourisheth, and if the grape, 
The tender grape appeareth ; men shall cry 
Who Cometh from the wilderness? Behold 
Her leaning on her well-beloved? Come! 

66 



Delilah 
The night is spent; the day is nigh at hand, 
My steps are faint with fear. 

(they go toward the gates) 

Samson 

Nay, fear thou not ; 
My love shall be thy shelter through the day, 
Like a cool garden with a hidden spring; 
A cloak of many colours through the night, 
Shall my love be to fold thee from the dark. 

Delilah 
(looking backward as she goes) 
Hate hath led me hither; love shall lead me 
hence. 

CURTAIN 



67 



ACT II 



ACT II 

Scene I 
Scene: A market place in Gaza. 
In the background booths, upon 
which are displayed silks, trinkets, 
swords, spices, fruits, Ush. On the 
right a narrow street, on left trees. 
A large cedar slightly to the left 
of the centre spreads its boughs 
over the entire scene; beneath it a 
stone seat. 

(A few buyers come and go, but 
the zvomen are packing up their 
wares upon mules for it is high 
noon) 

Discovered: Meres, Zophar, Apame. 
(enter Adina) 

Meres (to the maidens) 
Adina, draw near unto us. I know 
A riddle that I will put forth for ye. 

(the maidens gather about her) 
Who Cometh from the valley, who is she 
P'air as the morning, fouler than the night? 

71 



Adina 
Delilah, daughter of Philistia. 

ZOPHAR 

No man hath seen her, two months is it since 
She fled to Sorek. 

Apame 

She will come again 
To show her face in Gaza. 

Meres 

She is come ! 
Seeking her brother Aijah whom she loves. 

Apame 
Let us shoot out the lip at her, and cry 
Her shame upon her, let us wag the head. 

Meres 
Thou wert her chief companion, and the 

friend 
Who leaned upon her bosom, Apame. 

Apame 
Said she so Meres, wise is she indeed 
Who knoweth friend from foe ! 

Meres 

Yea, some there be 

72 



Who love our gold, and others our estate. 

Apame 
And that we may befriend them some be 

friends ! 
As a man putteth money out for gain. 

Meres 
Love hath its day, as friendship has all time. 
It waxeth with the waning of the years. 

(cuter Delilah, who comes tozvard them) 
Fairer than purple, more to be desired 
Than many riches, yea than much fine gold. 

Delilah 

What speak ye of. 

Meres 
Grasshoppers ! What have we 
To do with thee. 

ZOPHAR AND AdINA 

Be gone ! We know thee not ! 

Delilah 
(she goes to each in turn) 
Meres? Adina? Zophar? Apame? 
(she walks proudly azvay) 

73 



Meres 
She walketh haughtily with outstretched 
neck. 

Apame 
And wanton eyes. 

ZOPHAR AND AdINA 

Yea, and with tinkhng feet. 
Delilah 
How their hate hisseth at me, yet of old 
Their praises fell upon me like the rain ; 
If one commend thee have no joy of it. 
For venom hideth underneath his tongue, 
And whom men praise they envy in their 
hearts. 

(maidens gather about her) 

Apame 
Thou hast despised thy people and thy kin! 

Adina 
A stranger thou hast taken for thy lord ! 

Meres 
She thought to snare him with a single 

thread. 
Take not a lion with a spider's web. 

74 



ZOPHAR 

Behold how Samson Heth. 

Delilah 

Yea, three times, 
Three times he hath escaped the Phihstines 
Though I had bound him. 

Apame 

For he mocketh thee. 

Delilah 
I did this thing that I might see his strength, 
Sweeter is he to me than mine own soul ! 

Meres 
Thy heart is turned to him. 

Apame 

Thy brother dies 
A thousand deaths, in this thy living shame. 

Delilah 
Have ye seen Aijah? Speak to me of him. 
For I am come to seek him. 

Meres 



Seek him not. 



Adina 
He is not here. 

75 



ZOPHAR 

Nor would he see thy shame 
Nor look upon thy face while Samson lives. 
So hath he vowed, and sworn to slay the man. 

Delilah 
I have forgot my country and my kin! 

Meres 
All things she has forsaken for her love ! 
(High Priest enters) 
High Priest 

(to Meres) 
Peace to your foolishness. 

(to Delilah) 

Daughter we gave 

A trust to thee, how hast thou dealt with us ? 

Delilah 
Shall I be true to thee, if I be false, 
Is honour more than love, is country more? 
He is my well-beloved, slay ye him. 
He is your enemy, slay ye the man ! 

High Priest 
We did not seek to slay him, find thou out 
The secret of his strength, that he may be 

76 



Harmless to us. 

Delilah 

I do not trust your hate. 
(Delilah draws back behind the group) 

High Priest 

(looking down the road) 
One Cometh bearing something in his arms. 
(Enter Samson carrying a corpse) 

Samson 
Beside the gates of Gaza as I came 
Along the way from Sorek I was 'ware 
Of one that followed me and suddenly 
He made to slay me from behind, he cried 
"Because of thy Delilah do I this !" 
I know him not. I crushed him in my arms. 
I took his sword from him and in his breast 
I sheathed it. Let the Philistines behold 
How Samson dealeth with his enemies. 
(exit Samson leaving the corpse. The peo- 
ple press forward) 

High Priest 
What man is this? 

(Priest starting) 
Delilah, look not here ! 

77 



(Delilah pushes them aside and kneels by 
the corpse) 

High Priest 
Alas for Aijah, he is slain ! 

Delilah 

—Alas! 
Captain 
No more shall he delight us in the chase 

Meres 
Nor crown the maidens with the spoils of 

war. 

Delilah 

(kneeling beside Aijah) 
Brother, my brother, thou who wert to me 
The light within mine eyes, my right arm's 

strength. 
My heart like lead is molten in my breast, 
To see thy head laid low in early death ! 
Nay, if the dead be conscious of our tears. 
If grief avail, thou shalt not lack for aught, 
For I shall mourn thee in the grov/ing day 
And in the night time I shall not forget. 
A little folding of the hands to sleep, 
A little daylight, and a little dark, 

78 



Before I wrap thy dust about my heart 
In death, and hold thee closer than in life. 

(rising) 
Brother, no love shall leave thee unavenged! 
Take him up tenderly and bear him hence. 
Let there be tears for him, I shall not weep ! 
This night shall Samson be betrayed to thee. 
My love shall serve the purpose of my hate. 
(exit Philistines bearing the corpse) 
(enter Samson and Israelites) 

Samson 
Why are your hearts cast down, why do ye 

weep? 
Are not your foes delivered unto you ? 
Rise in thy might, O Israel, arise. 
Destroy the remnant of thine enemies. 
To-morrow I shall lead ye in the fight. 
The Lord will give the battle unto ye. 

Manassah. 
Go thou not forth! 

Omnes 
We will not follow thee ! 

Abidah 
Thy strength is like a flame within the wind, 

79 



Blown this way, that wa)L^^ 
Amindah 

Yea, do thou take heed 
Lest with her breath she put thy candle out ! 

Samson 
To look upon her filleth me with peace ! 

Manassah 
Lo, a strange woman is a narrow pit! 

Abidah 
Yea, a deep ditch that men may fall therein ! 

Amindah 
Who breaketh through a hedge, let him be- 
ware 
Lest any serpent bite him with its teeth ! 

Samson (dreamily) 

This is my well-beloved and my friend ! 

Manassah 
Wake, Samson ! Cast thy sickness from thee. 

Omnes 

Rise! 

Manassah 
Thy flock is shepherdless among the wolves. 

80 



Samson 
Shall the sheep give the shepherd counsel? 
Go! 

Manassah 

How hardly shall a fool give ear to thee ! 

(exit, all, right) 
(enter Rebekah) 

Rebekah 

I pray thee, Samson, suffer me to speak. 
Go not to Sorek, go not up to-night, 
Delilah taketh counsel with the priests 
How she may snare and slay thee suddenly. 

Samson 
Jealousy worketh vain imaginings! 

Rebekah 
I lay in wait. I heard them, as they walked 
For fear of them I hid me in the corn. 

Samson 
If thou wouldst not hear evil, hearken not! 
The feast of Dagon neareth, as is. meet 
Delilah taketh counsel with the priests, 
She bringeth up an offering to the god. 

8i 



Rebekah 
Wise art thou in thine own conceit, alas! 

Samson (going) 

Who shall direct my steps ! 

Rebekah 

Yea, who indeed. 

curtain 



82 



Scene II 

Scene : Interior of Delilah's house 
in Sorek, in the centre of the hack- 
ground a door standing open to 
the moonlight. To the left an open 
window, in the immediate centre 
a table, couch covered with a lions 
skin. At the head of it a table, 
upon zvhich lie shears and a dag- 
ger, also a candle. By the win- 
dow a low stool. Weapons of the 
chase, bozvs, spears, lie about. 
Time : Midnight. 
(Discovered: Delilah coming 
through the half open door timidly 
followed by the Priests. She car- 
ries a torch.) 

Delilah 
Nay, all is dark and still. 

High Priest 

He is not come. 
Delilah 
What do ye fear, nay enter in like thieves 
Who find the master gone. 

83 



High Priest 

Would it were done! 
This time thou shalt not weaken. See to it, 
For we are come to hold thee to thy word. 

Delilah 
No word that thou can speak compels the 

deed, 
As Aijah's silence does. Get ye within 
And hide ye, lest returning suddenly 
Samson should slay ye. 

High Priest 

Hide us safe away. 
(she leads them through a door to the left) 
Do thou remember. 

Delilah (returning) 

Would I could forget. 
To such as these must I betray thee then. 
To such a man who bears the name of priest, 
A little more than woman, less than man. 
And enemy to both ; standing between 
The obliterated truth the soul would see. 
Pity me, O my brother, pity me. 
Release me from my ruin and my vow. 
Alas, alas, O Aijah, thy revenge 

84 



Is more than I can bear with or fulfill. 

I am a woman. Was it then for this 

That I forsook my ancient life and ways 

A slave to love, who ringed my life about 

With an illusive beauty, leading me 

Into the net of treachery and hate? 

I have conceived and born a loathsome thing, 

And carried death not life within my heart. 

Is this the fruit and offspring of my love? 

How can I cherish this proud murderer. 

Pitying Aijah and my brother's blood. 

How can I harm the head upon my breast. 

My friend, my lover, and my enemy? 

Yet Samson trusts me not, much he conceals. 

If of his will he should because of love 

Confide his secret, make me guardian 

Of the proud fortress of his mighty strength, 

Not Aijah, nor the blood of all my kin 

Could then disarm me, or direct my sword 

Against his life. So be it. I will prove 

His love and guard indeed his trust, 

If trust it be, but if by guile I win 

His secret from him, then 'tis Dagon's will. 

And I obey, and sacrifice to him. 

To Aijah, to the god my doomed love. 

85 



Ah, let me be all hate and all revenge, 
Or let me be all woman and all weak 
Beneath his touch incapable of hate. 
(she goes to the zmndozv and looks out, she 

starts at an imaginary noise) 
It is the wind, alas, I wait alone. 

SONG 

How melancholy is the lonely night! 

The straying sheep betra3^eth all his fear, 
The vulture uttereth his shrill delight. 

The lonely wolf in silence draweth near. 
Upon the night I cast my fear, I sigh. 
For who so lonely in the world as I ? 

Sweet is the fountain singing to the night, 

Soft is the turtle's voice, but not for fear, 
Happy the hill wherein the stars delight, 
Glad is my heart, my loved one draweth 
near. 
Upon the night I cast my fear, I sigh. 
For who so joyous in the world as I ? 
(enter Samson) 
Samson 
A man shall envy thee thy happiness 
More than thy riches which are bought with 
gold; 

86 



If thou wouldst build thyself a place of love 
See that thou keep it close and tell no man, 
Lest straightway ill report should come and 

blow 
Upon thy house until it fall. Do thou 
Heed not the prying tongue that speaketh ill. 
Better thine ignorance than truth that slays 
The hope within thee, without love and hope 
Man's days are millstones hanged about his 

neck. 

(advancing toward the conch) 

My soul is heavy in me, weariness 

Is strong upon me, I will lay me down. 

(Delilah weeps) 
Delilah, wherefore dost thou weep? 

Delilah 

Oh love, 
Mine enemies are many, thou art one. 
They cry against me, then I said behold 
How shall they not prevail and turn his heart? 
The night is spent, I cried he cometh not, 
My arms are empty of him, and my breast 
Is full of sorrow. 

87 



Samson 

Wherefore didst thou go 
To Gaza, wherefore didst thou seek the 
priests ? 

Delilah 
To-morrow is the feast of Dagon. 

Samson 

Yea, 
J know it well ! 

Delilah 
Put thou thy trust in me ! 

Samson 
Three times hast thou betrayed me to the foe. 

Delilah 
That I might see thee triumph in thy strength. 
Do I not love thee, is my hair not poured 
About thee like a flood of sunshine, lo. 
Mine eyes, look in mine eyes, are they not 

deep 
As the fishpools of Heshbon ! Seest thou 
Thy face in each of them, am I not thine ? 

Samson 
Lo, thou art altogether fair, my love ! 

88 



Delilah 
For thee the maidens mock me in the town, 
They speak against me in the market place ! 

Samson 
The men of Judah wag their heads at me, 
"He trusteth in a Phihstine," they cry, 
"He goeth to strange women, let him heed 
The ground whereon he treadeth !" 

Delilah 

And the priests 
Cried out upon me, " Samson mocketh thee. 
He lieth, yet thine eyes are turned toward 

him, 
Look back upon the people of thy blood." 

Samson 

(tenderly) 
They cried against her in the market place, 
They smote her in the city ! 

Delilah 

Not for this 
Have I poured out my tears, behold my love, 
My well-beloved, hath no faith in me. 
Sometimes I think thou hatest me. 

89 



Samson 

Peace, love, 
I leave thee ere the sun is up, I go 
Down to the pastures where the waters be. 
Sometimes I feel thee like a mighty chain 
About my neck, then I would cast thee off. 

Delilah 
I too would hate thee did I love thee less. 

Samson 
How shall I trust thee ? 

Delilah 

Nay, I have not harmed 
(they sit upon the couch) 
A hair upon this head. 

(he starts) 
Yet I have watched 
Thee helpless, sleeping, like a weary child 
All night upon my breast ; thy dagger lies 
Beside thee through the dark, how slight a 

thrust 
Could still the heart that beats beneath my 
hand. 

Samson 
A coward's deed, that wouldst thou never do ! 

90 



Delilah 
Yet with a nail thy country woman slew 
The stranger seeking refuge in her tent. 

Samson 
Thy secret thoughts, who knows if they be 
true. 

Delilah 

(pouring wine) 
I pour thee wine, wherefore doest thou not 

look 
For poison in the cup ? 

Samson 

Sweeter than wine 
Is love that makes the simple eloquent. 

Delilah 

The night is wild, the wind is in the trees. 

(a great zvind has arisen, Samson 

lies down upon the couch, Delilah 

makes fast the doors) 

The fig trees tremble that by day are white 

Beneath the sun. 

Samson 

The sheep are in the fold, 

91 



What if the world without with all its storms 
Shall beat against us, love hath shut us in. 

Delilah 

(sitting upon a stool at his feet) 
Dost thou despise me, kiss me with thy lips. 
How dost thou love me ? 

Samson 

As I love my God ! 

Delilah 

Thy heart is closed against me, O, my love. 
Tell me the secret of thy strength, that we. 
We two alone may know this hidden thing. 
Thou goest up against the foe at dawn. 
Leave me thy secret, let it comfort me. 

Samson 

What God hath hidden shall I show it thee? 
Why are thine eyes like fire upon my face ? 

Delilah 
They shine above thee like a watchful star. 

Samson 
My strength is in thy hands ! 
92 



Delilah 

(kissing his hands) 
Sleep thou my love ! 

Behold my love how terrible thou art ! 

Thy hands are mighty, see I kiss thy hands. 

Samson 
Thy pulses flutter like a frightened bird, 
Thy throat is softer than the fleece of lambs. 

Delilah 
Thy thoughtless hand could crush it in thy 

sleep ! 
Where is thy secret hid ? 

Samson 

Search thou in vain. 

Delilah 
How mighty are the sinews of thine arms. 
Who can endure thee ? Yea, thine arms have 

slain 
A man this very day. 

Samson 

Speak not thereof. 

Delilah 
Thy secret, is it hidden in thine arms ? 

93 



Thy neck is like a tower of ivory, 
Thou art deep-chested Hke a milk-white bull ! 

(sadly) 
I may not find the secret of thy strength ! 

Samson 
This thing thou shalt not know, speak not 
thereof. 

Delilah 
Thy strength, thy power, the beauty of thy 

might. 
Striking confusion on the multitude, 
The death that lurks within thine arm, the 

fear 
Of thine uplifted hand, though weaponless 
The strange unfettered secret force of thee. 
The exultation of thy majesty. 
The devastation uttered in thy name — 
Are more than love to thee. 

(pause) 
What if, indeed, 
Illness made slack thy sinews, sheared thy 
strength ? 

Samson 
Nay rather death, than the weak shreds of 
life. 

94 



Delilah 

Could I not recompense thee with my love, 
Fold thee with tenderness, fence thee about, 
Serve thee, and succour thee? I hate thy 

strength, 
For so thou has no need of me at all. 

Samson 

Yea, I draw need of thee with every breath. 
And make the midnight tremble with thy 

name, 
Delilah. Ah, to thunder it abroad 
A battle-cry against mine enemies. 
Alas, the marvel of thy beauty, love. 
Keen as the sun flashing on eager spears— 
The magic of that subtle face of thine 
Hath made my strength a helpless mockery. 
I am a prisoner to thy voice, a child 
Trusting thy tenderness. 

Delilah 

Samson, enough. 
Is my love more than all thy strength to 
thee ? 

95 



Samson 
Yea, more than strength or weakness, more 

than shame, 
Yea, more than boasted honour — histed 

power. 
More than my country, more than — 

Delilah 

Say it not 
Lest thou repent. A woman loves but love. 
There is division in the heart of man, 
And more than love, loves he his mastery. 

Samson 
Yet a man taketh up his sword and shield, 
He goeth on his way to rob and steal, 
He saileth on the seas, he travaileth 
With sorrow and much toil, tilleth the earth — 
When he hath stolen, spoiled, he bringeth up 
The fruit of all the labour of his hands 
And giveth all of it unto his love. 

Delilah 
I am content, come let me give thee rest. 

Samson 
Thy sweeetness works its way like subtle 
wine, 



Intoxicating nie. Listen, O love. 
For I will tell thee, thou shalt know indeed, 
And if thou wilt, then slay me, I am thine, 
I have no secret, I will tell thee all. 

Delilah 
Hush, hush, I must not, nay, I will not hear — 
Lest thou regret. 

Samson 

Nay, of mine own free will. 

Delilah 
Yea, tell me, fetter me, disarm my hands. 
(Samson rises, she sees a stain of blood upon 

his cloak) 
Samson ! Ah, thou art wounded, O my love ! 

Samson 
'Tis not my blood. 

Delilah 
Not thine, not thine, whose then? 

Samson 
I know not. 

Delilah (zvildly) 

Say it is not blood at all, 
I will not know, hide it, I must not see. 

97 



It is some wounded animal, «rome beast 
That thou hast slain — 

Samson 

A Philistine— 

Delilah 



His name? 



Samson 



I know not, but it matters not, 
So would I deal with them, yea one and all. 
(Delilah has unconsciously touched the blood 

on his cloak) 
See, thou hast stained thy hand. 

Delilah 

(looking at her hand) 
Alas ! Alas ! 
Am I not wounded^ for it seems to me 
This was my blood, my blood that thou hast 
shed! 

Samson 

Peace, woman, thou art foolish. 

Delilah 

'Twas my fear, 

98 



Thinking thee wounded. 
Samson 

Dost thou love me so ? 

Delilah 

Tell me thy secret. 

Samson 

Nay, I will not then. 
I am myself again. 

Delilah 

Nay tell it me. 

Samson 
Search thou and find. I know thou hatest me 
When I have slain a foe, a Philistine. 

Delilah 
My love is little to thee, mock me not. 
Thy hand is never stayed from shedding 

blood, 
My country's blood. Such is a man's love 

shown 
That with caresses, lust, and light delights 
Repays the body and the mind, the soul 
That woman brings, changing her very self 

99 

LofC. 



To meet his will, which bends not, nay nor 

leans 
To her desires, her beliefs, her hopes, 
But breaks her as his due and lawful prey. 

Samson 
My head is full of weariness and sleep. 

Delilah 
(she takes his head upon her knee) 
Lay thou thy head upon my knee, oh love, 
How heavy is thy head, and lo, thy locks 
Cluster upon it like a swarm of bees, 
The dewdrops of the night are in thy locks! 

Samson 

A razor hath not come upon my head. 

Delilah 

(she takes the shears from the table) 

Couldst thou not spare one lock of it to me? 

(she clips off a little lock) 
To be beside me when thou art afar. 

Samson (starting) 

Delilah ! 

Delilah 
Samson, fear thou not at all ! 

100 



Thy strength is hidden in thy locks ; oh love 
No longer shall I weep to know this thing. 
For I have sought with tears, and with much 

guile, 
To hold thy secret treasured in my heart, 
Thou hast refused me. 

Samson 

Wise was I indeed. 

Delilah 
How slight, how trivial a thing is fate. 
Betraying thus by chance into my hands. 
Denying when I sought, what I have found 
And take unwillingly. Too late, too late. 
Hast thou no fear? 

Samson 
Fear is unknown to me. 
Thou art twice woman and once Philistine. 
I trust not but I fear thee not at all. 

Delilah 
My worthy and beloved enemy! 

Samson 
My strength is in thy hands. 

Delilah 

Sleep thou, my love. 

lOI 



(she rises and begins pacing the room) 

One touch, one word, and I had been 

disarmed 
And had become his helpless guardian 
Who now am made his lawful enemy 
To work the god's revenge. So I am strong. 
For as a wounded animal recoils, 
And turns and rushes, quite instinctively, 
Upon its master who has wounded him, 
(Though it has loved him as I loved this 

man) 
So will I spring on Samson suddenly. 
Wounded too deep to be but animal. 
And striking him, slay him at once and love, 
Even with Aijah's blood upon mine hands. 

(she takes a dagger from the table and stands 

looking at Samson) 
He sleeps, and yet no pity weakens me, 

Dagon, bear thou witness thou great god, 

1 put love from me; I am strong indeed. 
How near my heart he lies, yet hate cries out 
No longer shall he smite at will and slay — 

(she raises the dagger as if to strike, he stirs 

102 



in his sleep, she drops the zveapon helplessly) 

Not death, not death that were too merciful, 
And more Hke love, bringing him rest and 

sleep. 
No harm shall come to him, I put away 
All mercy from me, I am strong indeed. 
(zvith the shears she clips oif the locks from 
his head) 

(she opens the door to the Philistines) 
This time hath Samson shown me all his 
heart. 

(Philistines surround couch) 

(to Samson) 

The foe is come against thee, Samson — wake ! 

Samson (rising) 

As I have done before so will I do 
I will go out and shake myself — 
(one soldier seizes Samson — he struggles in 
vain) 

Delilah 

Go not! 
Thy strength is in my hand. Away with 
him, 

103 



Lest I repent me of my deed — away! 

(they lead him off) 
Brother, my brother, peace be unto thee. 
Thus have I made an end of all my hate. 

(she raises the locks to her lips and kisses 
them) 

CURTAIN 



ACT III 



ACT III 
Scene I 

Scene: Interior of the temple of 
Dagon at Gaza, A semi-circular 
roofless building supported by col- 
umns. In the center two larger 
columns closer together uphold 
the building. Behind the columns 
are rozvs of seats extending far 
back. To the right massive gates 
standing open, to the left an idol, 
a small altar before it. 
Discovered: An attendant, feed- 
ing the Hame upon the altar. 

Enter Priests, some bearing 
bunches of grapes upon poles, 
others sheaves of wheat, soldiers 
follozv, bearing zveapons, and 
maidens bearing cymbals. They 
deposit their offerings before the 
god. Israelites come in and stand 
in a group upon the right, beside 
the gate. People take their seats 
bctzveen the columns. The entire 
cast, with the exception of Delilah, 
107 



her friends, and Samso% are as- 
sembled. 

High Priest 

Draw near and honour Dagon, praise the god, 
For he hath triumphed o'er his enemies. 

Omnes 
We honour Dagon and we praise his name! 

Captain 
In battle he is mighty ! 

1ST Priest 

And in peace 
He prospereth his people in the land. 

Captain 
He giveth to the soldiers victory ! 

Priest 
He giveth increase to the flocks that feed 
Within the pastures, who shall number them ? 

Omnes 
The people do delight to honour thee ! 

High Priest 
The vineyards swell with wine, the fields 
with wheat, 

108 



Yea, even as the billows of the sea ! 

With snow-white feet the maidens tread the 

grape, 
The wine is like a river in the land, 
The threshing floors are groaning with their 

wealth. 

Omnes 

We honour Dagon and we praise his name. 

High Priest 
Lo, he hath saved the harvest from the blight, 
Nor is the locust loosed upon the land. 

Captain 
He strengthened the young men. 

Meres 

And the maids 
He maketh a delight to look upon. 

(tJie fire Uames upon the altar) 
High Priest 
The flame hath eaten up the sacrifice, 
The omens are propitious ! 

Omnes 

Hail the god ! 

109 



(Enter Delilah with her maidens^ 
bearing baskets of lilies and roses. 
She has a bough of olives in her 
hands, her locks are braided up 
with purple grapes that cluster 
around her temples.) 

High Priest 
Who Cometh clothed in purple to the feast? 

Captain 
She changeth like a rainbow in the sky! 

Maidens 
Delilah, daughter of Philistia! 

(the Priests and people press about her) 

High Priest 
What shall be done to show our love of her? 

Priest 
Crown her with olives, with a crown of peace ! 

Men and Maidens 
Crown her with roses, with a crown of love ! 

Soldiers 
Crown her with gold, a crown of victory ! 
(a page hands her the crowns) 

no 



High Priest 

What hath she done that we should honour 
her? 

Omnes 

Samson she hath deHvered unto us ! 

Captain (to soldiers) 

Set him before us, we would see his face. 

High Priest 
Yea, let the people have their will of him ! 

Soldier 
He will not come ! 

Rebekah 

(disguised as a page) 
Yet I will fetch him here. 

Soldier (zvonderingly) 
A child shall gently lead him by the hand. 
His name was like an army spreading fear. 
(Rebekah stands at Delilah's elbow) 

High Priest 
Delilah, daughter of Philistia, 
The people do delight to honour thee. 

Ill 



(three pages enter hearing gifts) 

1ST Page 

We bring thee silks, all purple and all gold. 

2D Page 
And silks of blue and green, that shame the 

sea, 
Fine as the threads of gold upon thine head. 

3D Page 
We bring thee linen whiter than thy hands. 

Delilah 
White are my hands as lilies ! 

Rebekah 

. (zvhispers to Delilah) 

Yet they drew 

Thy lover to thee, and they stole his strength. 

1ST Page 
We bring thee silver. 

2D Page 

Yea, and much fine gold ! 
Rebekah (zvhispering) 
How hardly shall it buy thee back thy love! 

112 



Delilah 

(dropping her crowns) 
Who mocketh at my triumph ? 
3D Page 

Yea, behold 
We bring thee perfumes of Arabia. 

Rebekah 
Not all the spices of the earth make sweet 
The soul that sinketh in thee of its sin. 
(Delilah turns and sees Rebekah) 

Captain 
What dost thou here, go lead the captive 
forth. 

(Rebekah goes) 

Delilah 
Enough, my lords, I will have none of these. 
How shall they comfort me, yea, shall they 

give 
My brother back, my lover to my arms? 
These things be for the joyful, but my heart 
Is sore within me, yea, my heart is dead. 

(the pages go sorrozvfully away) 
Bring me the lilies, for their scent is sweet. 

113 



(the maidens offer her their baskets) 
Strew roses on my sorrow, yea, perchance. 
It may sleep softly in so sweet a grave. 
(the maidens scatter roses over her) 

Priest 
She speaketh riddles. 

Omnes 

— We would honour thee. 
Delilah 

(facing the people) 
If one betray her lover, shall it be 
Accounted to her credit, different names 
Have ye for this, the one deed and the same. 
Murder is justice, treachery shall be 
To some for honour, and to some for shame ! 

Omnes 
What wouldst thou of us? Lo, we honour 
thee! 

High Priest 
What thou hast done is done, therefore re- 
joice, 
A weak thing and a vain thing is regret. 
(she goes toward the altar.) 

114 



(Samson enters. He is leaning up- 
on a staff. Rebekah leads him by 
the hand.) 

Omnes 

We give thee greeting, Samson— Samson, 

hail! 

Samson 

(groping wildly about him) 
What be these shouts and whence this mul- 
titude? 

(he waves his staff) 
I feel a throng about me. Follow me 
O, Israel, I bring thee victory ! 

(laughter) 

Meres 
The foe is come upon thee, Samson, flee ! 

Samson 

(wonderingly to Rebekah) 
I pray thee tell me, for thy heart is kind, 
And very gently hast thou led my steps, 
What place is this, what hostile shouts are 
these ? 

115 



Omnes 

This is the temple of the mighty god. 

Rebekah 

The harvest feast of Dagon ! 

Samson 

Thou art sad, 
Thou hast compassion on my suffering, 
Tell me thy name, thou youthful Philistine? 

Rebekah 
Rebekah is my name in Israel. 

Samson 
Upon a time I knew thy name, a name 
That Samson loved, him whom men call the 

strong, 
Samson, I knew the man, but he is dead. 

High Priest 

(pointing out Samson) 
Behold your leader, men of Israel ! 

Amindah 
We know him not. 

Abidah 

We will have none of him. 

ii6 



Manassah 
He hath betrayed his people and his God. 

High Priest 
Whose captive is the man, whose spoil is he? 

Philistines 
He is the spoil of Dagon ! 

High Priest (to Israelites) 
How say ye ? 
Israelites 
He hath preferred a woman to his land. 

High Priest 
Delilah, we delight to honour thee ! 

Samson 
This is their honour, my exceeding shame ! 

High Priest 
Speak thou to him, Delilah, comfort him ! 

Delilah 
(coming down from altar zvithout daring to 

raise her eyes to his face) 
My Hps are stained with wine, sweeter my 
lips 

117 



Than honey of the fragrant honey-comb, 
I have bound up my tresses for thy sake 
With purple grapes against my golden hair, 
My temples are anointed with sweet myrrh. 
My arms are deep in lilies, yea, my hands 
Are little lilies laughing in the breeze. 

Samson 
(he turns his closed eyes tozvards her) 
I cannot see thee, woman, who art thou? 

Delilah 
Thine eyes! Samson, the foe hath blinded 
thee ! 

Samson 
I loved a woman, she hath done this thing. 

Omnes 
Delilah, daughter of Philistia! 

Delilah 
Not I, O love, I could not do thee harm, 
(Despise me not for I would speak to thee) 
Yet when thy hand had lain my brother low 
I sought to stay thine arm, to still thy wrath. 
And from the grave the mute compelling 
voice 

ii8 



Of Aijah called for vengeance, then it was 
Seeing thy little trust of me, thy hate 
Wrecking my country, that I sought to stay 
The fury of thy devastating strength, 
I gave thee hate, behold, I bring thee love. 

Samson 
I gave thee love, behold, I bring thee hate. 
Mine eyes are sealed, my heart is closed at 

last. 
Who art thou, for I know thee not, and yet 
As in a dream thy voice floats back to me! 
My heart is dead and buried in the grave, 
With one I loved long since, a long time dead. 
What is thy name, O woman? 
Delilah 

Mock me not. 
I am Delilah. 

Samson 
Yea, I know thy name. 
Delilah, she whom Samson loved. 'Twas he 
Men called the strong, a sad tale heard long 

since. 
Cursed be woman henceforth for her sake. 
Ye Philistines declare your will to me. 
Why am I summoned here unto this place? 

119 



Captain 

That we may see thee do great deeds of 

strength 
For our dehght, no longer for our harm. 

Omnes 
Samson the strong, let him make sport for us. 

Samson 
My strength is consecrate to God alone. 

High Priest 

Where is thy God? Let him deliver thee, 
Perchance he sleepeth, surely he is gone 
Upon a journey: call upon thy God! 

Manassah 

The Lord hath turned his face away from 
him. 

High Priest 

In thee we mock thy people and thy God. 

Samson 

Light, grant me light, I do not ask to see 
The face of friends, show me mine enemies! 
Oh Lord, remember me I pray thee, God. 

120 



Israelites 

Cry on in vain, God hath forgotten thee ! 

High Priest 

Thy voice is like the wind that groans at 

night 
Among the temple pillars, with a sound 
Of melancholy speech none hears nor heeds. 

Delilah (sadly) 

Jehovah cannot give thee back thy sight. 

Samson 
Pity me not, woman, I see too well 
The guile that still would work me hate and 

harm. 
Let no man henceforth love a woman, nay, 
Let him but lust for her and tame her pride, 
And let her be his pleasure and his prey, 
Subservient, submitted to his will. 
Nor heed her counsel, nor bestow his heart, 
Seeing what love has done to me, who am 
A thing for pity and for mockery. 

Delilah 
Lift not thy hand in anger, strike me then, 
Yea, slay me if thou wilt, show me thy hate, 

121 



Thy hate, thy vengeance, let it fall on me. 
Let me not be a stranger at thy side, 
I, who have been thy glory, thy defeat, 
Doth thou not know me? 

Samson 

Yea, at last, at last. 
Would I were mad again remembering not! 
Delilah, O my God deliver me ! 
(sudden darkness) 

Delilah 
I am afraid, how dark it grows, how dark. 

Samson 
What sudden light? 

Omnes 
What darkness seizes us. 

Samson (to Rebekah) 
Go thou, and tell the elders God hath slain 
The enemy, three thousand in this place. 

(Rebekah zveeps) 
God shall not deal with thee as I have done, 
Who loveth righteously is loved of God. 
Weep not, the Lord of Hosts hath set an end 
To all my sorrow. God be with thee — go! 

122 



(exit Rebekah) 
(it is light again) 

Captain 
What saith the fool. 

Delilah 

Take ye no heed of him ! 

Philistines 
Behold the god is angry for his sake! 

High Priest 
What shall be done with him ? 

Omnes 

Slay us the man ! 
A sacrifice to Dagon let him be ! 
(the Captain drazvs his szvord to slay Sam- 
son. Delilah rushes between them) 

Delilah (to the people) 

Whose captive is the man, is he not mine ? 
Have I not bought him with my treachery; 
What man of ye could slay him in the fight, 
What hero could withstand him in the war. 
What snare could capture him, what strategy ? 

123 



Ye priests who tempted me unto my harm, 
That with my beauty I should snare his 

strength, 
Is he not mine; did I not with my love, — 
Unwilling love awakened unaware — 
Capture him utterly, and in my turn 
Did love not hold me fast a prisoner, 
Until his arm, lifted against my kin 
Betrayed my brother Aijah to the grave? 
And with unwilling hand made strong by pain 
To Aijah, to the dead, not unto ye. 
Ye priests, ye warriors, ye cowards all, 
I gave his strength. I stayed his slaying 

hand. 
I conquered him, and slaying love, slew life. 
And all my hope, and all my happiness ! 
With tears, and joy, rapture and suffering, 
Have I not bought this man, is he not mine ? 

High Priest 
Delilah, he is thine, do as thou wilt. 

Delilah 

Samson, I give thee life. 

Samson 

I bring thee death. 

124 



Delilah 

Nay, thou art mine, beloved, mine at last. 
Thy strength is gone, but I shall be thy force 
And guard thy days against thine enemies. 

Samson 
My strength was water spilled between thy 
hands. 

Delilah 

All men shall envy thee for with my love 
I will repay thee, yea, a thousand fold, 
Leading thee gently in the ways of joy. 

Samson 
Jehovah's hand is placed before mine eyes. 
And hides thee from me now for evermore. 

Delilah 
Nay, I will be thine eyes and paint the world 
With an eternal and undying spring, 
Showing thee only all things beautiful. 
All men who mock shall covet thee thy fate. 

Captain 
Delilah, peace, I fear the people's wrath. 
Lead him away lest harm should come to thee. 

125 



Omnes 

This is her chosen, let us see the man 
Her well beloved. 

High Priest 

Let the man be shown. 
Set him between the pillars, let him be 
Seen of the Philistines and Israelites. 

Delilah 
I lead thee to thy freedom, Samson. 

Samson 

Yea, 
Place me between the pillars ! 

Delilah 

Follow me! 

Captain 
Upon her arm he leaneth tenderly. 

(she places him betzveen the pillars) 

Delilah 
Helpless, I love thee, O beloved, more. 

Samson 
Speak not of love, it is not ! 
126 



Delilah 

Samson, nay, 
I am content ^o thou art mine at last ; 
I will not leave thee! 

Samson 

Stand afar from me. 

Delilah 
Thou canst not hate me always, O my love. 

Samson 
There is an end of love, an end of hate. 
Be gone from me for I grow strong again. 

Delilah 
Nay, though thou slay me I will not be gone. 

Samson 

(placing his arms around the pillars) 
In pity, go. 

(Delilah clings to him) 
So be it. Thou hast said. 
I feel a sudden strength. See, I am strong. 

life, I live again and with my hands 

1 cast thee down ere thou shalt conquer me. 

(the pillars sway) 

127 



Omnes 
Flee, flee, the temple trembles. 

Samson 

Victory ! 

CURTAIN 



128 



}V 7 1904 



